The Kansas City Chiefs showcased their 2025 NFL Draft class during their first preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, highlighting the growing talent within the team. Among these rookies, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa has drawn significant attention for his noticeable progress and contributions on defense, proving why Nick Bolton praises rookie linebacker improvement so highly.
Rookies Making Their Mark Ahead of Regular Season
Several newcomers have stood out this offseason, including offensive lineman Josh Simmons securing a more defined role and defensive hopeful Nohl Williams making strides as training camp wraps up. The Chiefs appear poised to field a competitive roster with these young athletes, aiming to return to the Super Bowl.
Jeffrey Bassa’s Versatility and Growth Impress Chiefs’ Veterans
Selected in the fifth round out of Oregon, Jeffrey Bassa has demonstrated a high ceiling through his versatility and relentless effort, both on defense and special teams. His work ethic has helped elevate the team‘s competitiveness during camp, with Bassa leading the preseason game against the Cardinals by recording six total tackles, including three solo stops and a quarterback hit.
Nick Bolton Highlights Bassa’s Steady Improvement and Team Impact
Following training camp practice, veteran linebacker Nick Bolton spoke about Bassa’s development since arriving at camp. Bolton emphasized how Bassa’s continuous learning and confidence have made a difference on the field, stating,
“Every week, every day, he’s getting a little bit better. (He is) learning the scheme, asking good questions, and trying to find the right answer. I think all those things add up over time, and you can see in the game, he led the team in tackles, if I’m not mistaken. Off to a good start. That dude is confident, (he is a) confident guy, high IQ guy, I’m excited for what he has for us,” —Nick Bolton, Linebacker
Bolton further praised Bassa’s mindset and approach to the game, explaining,
“Obviously, you can tell he’s a high IQ guy, he’s eager to learn, willing to learn; a lot of humility with that guy. As you keep progressing in the game, that stuff definitely exudes itself. He’s a confident guy, willing to do anything to help the team win. That’s all you need from 11 guys on the field.” —Nick Bolton, Linebacker
Rookie Development Vital for Chiefs’ Defensive Ambitions
As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, the emergence of players like Jeffrey Bassa under the guidance of seasoned leaders such as Nick Bolton highlights the team’s dedication to strengthening its defense. Bassa’s rapid improvement and readiness to contribute in multiple roles could prove crucial as the Chiefs pursue another deep postseason run.
With training camp concluding and preseason games providing valuable experience, the continued growth of rookies will be a key storyline for Kansas City’s quest to reestablish themselves among the NFL’s elite teams.